Center for Dental Sleep Medicine & TMJ Blog

Do you wake up with a stiff jaw? Do you find it difficult to open and close your mouth, especially when trying to eat? This problem can many times be attributed to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Causing much discomfort and frustration, you may wonder if there are things you can do at home to improve your symptoms. Read on to find out what you can do to minimize the pain and when it’s time to see a professional for help.

Some researchers suggest that around 80% or even 90% of people with sleep apnea are unaware that they have it. This disorder is often found to be the culprit behind loud snoring and constant exhaustion. Your sleep dentist recommends learning as much as you can about sleep apnea so that you’re in a better position to recognize it and deal with it appropriately. To that end, here are 5 sleep apnea facts that might surprise you.

After a good night’s sleep, most people hope that they’ll feel happy, refreshed, and ready to take on the day. However, sometimes life can be a lot tougher than that.

It can be hard to get a refreshing night’s sleep for all kinds of reasons, and one of them is pain. Have you ever woken up in the morning with a sore jaw? There may be a good reason for that; here’s what that could be.

Historically, things such as impulsive behavior, forgetfulness, and trouble paying attention are often signs of ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder); however, did you know that they can also be signs of lack of sleep? And unfortunately, one of the most prominent causes of sleep disruption is sleep apnea. Even suffering from just one of these conditions can be troublesome; however, due to the overlap in symptoms between ADHD and sleep apnea, both together can be quite detrimental if left unaddressed! Keep reading to learn a little more about the link between these two conditions and some possible solutions for addressing each one.

You’re likely already aware that sleep apnea is associated with a higher risk of heart attacks, diabetes, and various other health issues. But the disorder can affect your body in other ways as well. In particular, recent studies show that untreated sleep apnea may speed up the aging process. Here’s what you need to know about the surprising connection between aging and sleep-disordered breathing – as well as what you can do to protect your health.

When suffering from sleep apnea, you want to make sure that you get the sleep you need. But part of undergoing successful treatment means keeping your oral appliance in good condition. If damage or problems arise, this can negatively impact your treatment, worsening your symptoms and causing further issues down the road. If you want to make sure that you’re cleaning your oral appliance thoroughly and keeping your mouth healthy, here are four tips to consider.  

It’s well known that people who suffer from sleep apnea not only have to deal with feeling tired all the time, but the disorder is also closely associated with an increased risk of serious problems like cardiovascular issues, diabetes complications, and dementia. Now, according to a study recently published in Sleep, the official scientific journal of the Sleep Research Society, gum disease can be added to that list. How are these two conditions connected, and what should someone with sleep apnea do in order to protect their oral health?

The genes you inherited from your parents influence everything from your height and eye color to your intelligence and personality. However, many people don’t realize that genetics can also play a role in whether you get quality rest. There are many factors that can increase your risk of sleep apnea. One particular factor you’ll want to keep in mind, however, is genetics. Do your parents have sleep apnea? Keep reading to discover why you may want to talk to your dentist about sleep apnea treatment in Albuquerque.

Your jaw is one of the most complex and important parts of your whole body, as it helps you complete many daily, necessary tasks like biting, chewing, talking and more. But like the rest of your body, it’s also susceptible to encountering problems and becoming injured. Symptoms like popping noises when you chew, persistent ear and headaches, and jaw tenderness are just a few of the many things that can arise due to TMJ disorder. But what should you do when you begin to experience these types of problems? Keep reading to learn more about why visiting your dentist for TMJ treatment is your best bet when dealing with debilitating jaw issues.

It’s estimated that roughly 65% of American households own a pet—with cats and dogs being the most common choice of companion. And of those pet owners, many opt to allow their furry friends to sleep in their bed with them at night. But did you know that this habit can actually impact your sleep apnea? Keep reading to learn more from your sleep dentist in Albuquerque about how sleeping with your pets might be contributing to the quality of your rest, along with some things that you can do about it.